Monday, December 28, 2009

Any excuse to post a picture of a devilishly handsome man... I present you with our creative challenge this week - At the Movies.

Tis the season to be jolly and when it's cold outside make time for the flicks. Some great movies out now but don't let that stop your imagination travelling to a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

Let cinema's icons inspire and post up your creations by 12pm EST next Sunday. Later that day it will be time to grab your popcorn, take your seats and settle back to watch the director's rushes.

Who knows... you may be in with a chance to win an Oscar, or failing that you'll be entered into our monthly giveaway (more details on January's wonderful treasure later this week).

To participate, post a photo and description of your creation on your blog and leave a link in the comments on this post. The challenge is open to anyone with a blog and all artistic mediums are welcome. Come back Sunday afternoon to see all the submissions.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

I'm delighted to give a huge welcome to our brand new (and just-in-time-for-Christmas!) team member, the very talented Elizabeth Holcombe!

Now you've probably already seen Beth's two very successful etsy shops; and she is indeed very successful. To date Beth has sold over 500 of her wonderful "Dime Store Chic" pin cushions!

All Beth's work is easily distinguished by her unique style - pretty, colourful, and charmingly nostalgic and whimsical. Beth loves to visit flea markets and antique stores to search for beautiful finds, to give an individual touch to her creations.

Beth's Bagz is a treasure trove of her handmade tote bags, the above-mentioned pincushions (see this sweet example below), corsages, ornaments and wreaths.

Beth's second shop,dime store chic,is such a fun concept. It's set out in different departments - everything from "home and garden" to "toys" - and has a fantastic selection of delightful goodies! Beth also has her own exclusive craft kits for sale - how lovely is this ribbon rosette corsage made from Beth's very own kit?

Now, as if this wasn't enough creativity to be going on with, there is also another string to this very talented lady's bow... our newest team-mate is a published author!

Beth's first book, "Heaven and the Heather", was inspired by a photograph of Ewan McGregor in a kilt, with a rooster under his arm!

Beth's says the starting point for her stories is asking herself the question "what if?". When she saw the photograph of Ewan she wondered "If you gave a Highlander a chicken...what would he do with it?"And if that fascinating taster isn't enough to make you want to read the story I don't know what is!!

Beth has also been published in the anthology "Bewitched, Bothered, and Be-Vampyred" for which she volunteered her work for free, in aid of the International Red Cross for tsunami relief.

Beth, I must say it's been fascinating finding out about you to write this meet and greet! Welcome to the team, we're so very happy to have you!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Believe. One word that can mean so much. One theme that could inspire a thousand creations. It has always been one of my favorite words, because even if everything else is gone, we can still believe. In anything.

The challenge for this week is to create something with "Believe" in mind. The word, the feeling, the idea, the mantra. Whatever Believe means to you.

To participate, post a photo and description of your creation on your blog and leave a link in the comments on this post. All submissions should be in by 12 noon EST on Sunday, December 27. The challenge is open to anyone with a blog and all artistic mediums are welcome. Come back Sunday afternoon to see all the submissions.

And there's something sparkly to brighten the winter: this gorgeous necklace from Catherine at Coral Seas, the prize for our monthly contest. Posting a creation for a weekly challenge in December automatically enters you to win this lovely treasure. The drawing will be held at the end of the month.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

I would like to start by apologizing to Pat for our oversight. You see Pat came to our team a bit ago and we missed posting her Meet and Greet just after her membership. We are sincerely delighted to have this talented and as you'll see, very busy artist, on our team. So without further ado...

Pat also creates some gorgeously unique jewelry. Just look at this example of her work. Here is where her photography and jewelry making meet. You can see more of her imaginative pieces in her etsy shop for jewelry by visiting http://www.etsy.com/shop/patk860

Pat started her blog called Images Through an Open Window this past August so she is still getting her feet wet in the blogging world. So stop by her blog and say hello, I know she will love to hear from you. http://imagesofaphotogallery.blogspot.com/

Pat also has a fun etsy shop called 2nd Generation Vintage that features all sorts of vintage goodies, like this adorable skating mouse mug. I love him! You can check out her vintage shop by visiting http://www.etsy.com/shop/2ndgenerationvintage .

Please join me in offering a warm welcome to Pat. We are so happy to have you as part of our team.

Monday, December 14, 2009

In which case there's much to hide in this week's challenge! Could it be hidden love or a secret message? Is there a hidden agenda? Are you hiding your feelings or just hiding yourself? I'd love to come looking next Sunday to see what I can find...

I'm thrilled to be hosting this week (it's me... Lisa... from The WrightStuff). Every week we see some beautiful creations.

Also, as an added bonus, anyone who enters our weekly challenge is automatically included in our monthly giveaway. This month's giveaway is this gorgeous necklace, courtesy of our lovely Catherine of Coral Seas. Who knows, you might just be winning yourself a lovely Christmas present!

Our weekly challenges are open to anyone with a blog and open to all artist mediums; painting, mixed media, jewelry, etc. Simply grab your creative materials, tune into your Muse and create something new. Submissions are due by Sunday 12:00noon EST. Simply post a photo and description of your creation on your own blog and then be sure to come back and leave a link on this posting so we can include your work with our final submissions later in the day on Sunday, December 20th.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Hey Hey :)) Time once again to show off everyone's submissions for this week's challenge. This week's challenge word is Imagine/Imagination ... and the concept ... Anything goes! This week is all about creative freedom and just letting your imagination run wild! So without further ado .... *Drrrrrrrumrolllllls*

Saturday, December 12, 2009

It's my pleasure to introduce and be the first to welcome Lisa of Priti Studio as the newest member to our team.

Lisa loves Frida as you can tell here by this image from her blog - she is a riot. Lisa's blog posts will make you laugh out loud. She has crazy hair days and shares those along with her beautiful art and writings about her life and family with her readers. To visit Lisa's blog visit. http://pritistudio.blogspot.com/Lisa has been participating in our weekly challenges for quite a while now so many of you may have already had the pleasure of reading her blog and experiencing some of her gorgeous artwork filled with an energy of fun and a love for life.

Lisa is a multi-talented artist who works in several mediums including painting, doll making, ornaments, frames and fabulous mixed-media artwork. Lisa's artwork incorporates, clay, tile, paint, beads, ornaments, words and so much more. She currently sells through her Etsy shop which is chock full of wonderful art work. There is certainly something for every one.

Some of Lisa's artwork has thought provoking words. She is a fun and witty soul. I hope you all will enjoy what she brings to our team. In one word, I would say some Spice. Please join me in welcoming Lisa to Inspiration Avenue. Welcome aboard, Lisa. I am soglad you are a member now!